Contents Mission Statement 3 The Reference Series 4 Sonic Purity 6 SymbiLink™ Balanced System 7 Specifications You Can Hear 8 Warnings 10 Wire Size 11 Installation Guidelines 12 Reference Series Accessory 13 Reference Series 2 Channel Amplifiers 21 Reference 200.2 22 Reference 350.2 26 Reference 750.2 30 Reference Series Monaural Amplifiers 36 Reference 500.1 38 Reference 1100.
Reference Series Multi-Channel Amplifiers 47 Reference 360.4 48 Reference 1000.4 54 Reference 650.
Mission Statement Committed to excellence ZAPCO is dedicated to the pursuit of audio fidelity. Our prime objectives are to design and manufacture audio products of unsurpassed quality, to provide unparalleled support and service for these products, and to conduct business in a manner that will enhance the quality of life for all involved. Experience: Knowledge from doing There is absolutely no substitute for experience; that is a simple fact of life.
ZAPCO The Reference Series The Reference series (originally called AG) marked ZAPCO’s first effort to bring the high quality that built the ZAPCO legend to an amplifier line that everyone can afford. The response has exceeded the company’s wildest expectations. Why has the line been received so well? We think the answer is simple. The Reference Series amplifiers sound as good as, or better than, other brands best amplifiers.
We also include with every model of amplifier our SLDIN-T.F (transmitter line driver) providing a method of changing an unbalanced signal to balanced and the ability to increase line level voltage up to 4-times the output. The only accessory item to complete your system is the proper length cable from the transmitter to the amplifier. Everyone will get balanced…for free! What’s next? Only time will tell. But here’s one thing you can count on.
Sonic Purity Our Dedication to Sonic Purity Requires the Highest Quality Internal Components are used. • Resistors All resistors (other than power resistors) are 1% precision low noise metal film. This is a key reason why ZAPCO products have the industries’ best low noise specifications, and why you won’t see as much fluctuation in our test certificates as you will other brands. Precision resistors also reduce distortion and improve channel matching. • Capacitors Capacitors are similar to batteries.
• Power Supplies Regulated or Unregulated? For years amplifier designers have debated which type of power supply is best. What’s the truth about power supplies? They each have advantages and disadvantages and there is no, one, best type. Limiting yourself to one type of power supply limits your amplifier design flexibility. ZAPCO uses both types of power supplies depending on the intended use of each amplifier, as well as expected current demands and operating environment.
Specifications You Can Hear Our dedication to sonic purity, and to the concept of cumulative error demands that we design and build our amplifiers and processors to be the cleanest in the industry. ZAPCO amplifiers are the standard by which all other amplifiers are measured. However, it concerns us when one specification THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) that can’t be heard in most modern, high-end amplifiers becomes the only meaningful specification manufacturers seem to publish.
Stereo Separation: The ability of an amplifier to maintain the separation between the right and left channels is what allows an amplifier to reproduce an accurate sound stage. Music is recorded with each instrument in its own location on a sound stage. You should hear it the same way in your vehicle. Results: To assure that no ZAPCO product ever fails to meet our level of expectation, we must build all products to exceed our specifications by a comfortable margin.
Warnings ZAPCO highly recommends that a fuse or circuit breaker be placed within 18" of the battery. Although products have adequate internal protection, it is possible that a pinched power wire between the component and the battery may result in a fire. The protection device should be placed where it can be accessed easily and all wiring should be routed safely and correctly according to the following guidelines: Do not run wiring close to hot or spinning objects.
Wire Size Most people understand the importance of a clean signal source for good sound reproduction. But, what about your 12 volt power source? It’s often surprising how many people (even professional car audio people) will obsess about signal wire but routinely provide the amplifier only a fraction of the current it needs to do its job. The most common wire gauge used in car audio is 10-gauge. The most common location for amplifiers is in the trunk. Take a look at the chart below.
Installation Guidelines Mounting your Reference Amplifier is easy. Keep in mind the following guidelines: • The amplifier may be mounted in any direction, on wood, metal or carpet. • The metal case of the amplifier may be grounded or left isolated. • The amplifier requires adequate ventilation. Position the amplifier with sufficient surrounding area for proper cooling. • Keep fan and vent endplates clear for proper internal cooling.
Reference Series Accessory We believe the new textured pewter finish aluminum cover makes the Reference Series of amps among the best looking products available today. To dress up your installation and protect the connections from stray hands and feet we have connection covers available for all Reference Series amplifiers. ZAPCO’s legend hasn’t always been built on the appearance of our products, but on technical innovations and sound quality.
In – Line SymbiLink™ Transmitters ZAPCO was the first Car Audio manufacturer to embrace balanced line signal transmission. There is a good deal of information in this manual that explains the how and why of SymbiLink™ balanced line technology. While Pro-Audio and High-End Home Audio manufacturers have adopted balanced line technology, the car audio market is still supporting the outdated RCA cable system.
Dynamic Bass Control ZAPCO offers a remote knob and mount for our bass equalization circuitry. The Reference 500.1, 1100.1 and 1000.4 amplifiers have a “Bass Boost” port on the control plate. Simply plug in the optional DBC (Dynamic Bass Control) and you can make instantaneous changes in the bass contour from the dash.
ZAPCO Reference Controls Reference Series Inputs Some Reference Series amplifiers accept two distinct types of signal inputs. The first is the standard RCA type of signal input. While they are not the best type of signal transmission, they certainly are the most common. RCA cables were the first standardized transmission system for audio signals, and have been around since the early days of phonographs and tape recorders.
Setting Your Gains Proper gain setting is one of the most important factors in setting up a stereo system. At the same time, gain setting is most often done wrong. Turning up the gain of an amp is the very last thing you should ever do to a system. An amplifier is a step up transformer. Period. Any signal you put in is boosted by a fixed factor. Music, hiss, or any other noise, it doesn’t matter. A large number of noise problems are simply a matter of improper gain settings.
Signal Mode Switch The Signal Mode Switch determines how the amplifier will treat the input signal. You’ll notice that this is a three-position switch. The left position is the “Stereo” setting. The center position is the “Bridged R Ch In ” setting. The right position is the “L+R Sum Mono setting. The Stereo setting is the most common. This is the position you will use when the amplifier is going to drive both left and right speakers in a stereo system.
Bass EQ Control In vehicle sound systems they have a tendency to peak at about 100Hz to 120Hz and to roll off after that. This leaves a hole in the bass response in the 40Hz to 50Hz range. To compensate for this effect, ZAPCO has provided all Reference Series amplifiers with a variable Bass equalization circuit. Each amplifier has a “Bass Boost” control, which allows adjustment of the bass from 0dB to as much as 18dB. This adjustment is made at a frequency of 44Hz. Use the Bass EQ with caution.
The ZAPCO Crossover All ZAPCO Reference series amplifiers have electronic crossovers built in. This allows you to build multi-amp systems without the need for added electronic crossovers. Rather than use the standard, on/off, fixed frequency crossover usually found on amplifiers, ZAPCO has chosen to use completely variable crossovers, which can be set for high pass, low pass, or full range use. The “FREQ Hz” control allows the user to choose exactly what crossover frequency the amp will use.
Reference Series 2 Channel Amplifiers 21
Reference 200.
Reference 200.2 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) .2% T.H.D. Power 230 watts 205 watts Rated Power / Channel 50 watts x 2 @ 4Ω 100 watts x 2 @ 2Ω Bridged Mono 134 watts x 1 @ 8Ω 205 watts x 1 @ 4Ω T.H.D.+N < .025% < .14% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, ± .12dB S/N Ratio > 95dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .01% Slew Rate > 23 V/µS Damping Factor > 166 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) Unbalanced (RCA) 500mV – 10V 250mV – 5V Separation > 64dB Max.
Front Panel Layout 24
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • RCA Unbalanced Inputs • Two Ohm Stereo Stable • 18 dB Variable Bass Boost Control • Built in Variable Electronic Crossover • Bridgeable • Three Channel Capable • High Current Bipolar Outputs • Optically Isolated MOSFET Power Supply • Quality ZAPCO Construction 25
Reference 350.
Reference 350.2 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) .2% T.H.D. Power 380 watts 350 watts Rated Power / Channel 100 watts x 2 @ 4Ω 170 watts x 2 @ 2Ω Bridged Mono 210 watts x 1 @ 8Ω 330 watts x 1 @ 4Ω T.H.D.+N < .025% < .047% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, ± .25dB S/N Ratio > 96dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .015% Slew Rate > 29 V/µS Damping Factor > 200 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) Unbalanced (RCA) 500mV – 10V 250mV – 5V Separation > 66dB Max.
Front Panel Layout 28
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • RCA Unbalanced Inputs • Two Ohm Stereo Stable • 18 dB Variable Bass Boost Control • Built in Variable Electronic Crossover • Bridgeable • Three Channel Capable • High Current Bipolar Outputs • Optically Isolated MOSFET Power Supply • Quality ZAPCO Construction 29
Reference 750.
Reference 750.2 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Power Rated Power / Channel 175watts x 2 @ 4Ω 360 watts x 2 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .04% < .05% Bridged Mono 780watts x 1 @ 4 Ω Mono < .2% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, + 0 / - .5dB S/N Ratio > 90dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .03% Slew Rate 40 V/µS Damping Factor > 1000 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) Unbalanced (RCA) 560mV – 10V 260mV – 5V Separation > 60dB Max. Current Requirements Idle Current 120 Amps @ 750 watts 1.
Front Panel Layouts 32
33
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • RCA Unbalanced Inputs • Two Ohm Stereo Stable • 18 dB Variable Bass Boost Control • Two Built in Independent Variable Electronic Crossovers • Bridgeable • One to Three Channel Capable • High Current Bipolar Outputs • Optically Isolated MOSFET Power Supply • Selectable Auxiliary Output (Highpass / Lowpass or Fullrange) • Quality ZAPCO Construction 34
Reference 750.2 Special Features In addition to the standard Reference Series features, the 750.2 has an auxiliary crossover output. This second crossover has all the features of the internal crossover but operates on the aux output, rather than the 750.2’s own amplifier. This gives the user the option of cascading crossovers in multi-amp systems and even allows band passing an amp (see the system diagram section). Power Requirements The Reference Series 650.6, 750.2, 1000.4 and 1100.
Reference Series Monaural Amplifiers 36
Reference Series Monaural Amp Controls The Reference Series Mono amplifiers differ from the current Stereo and Multi-Channel units in few areas. First, of course, is the output wiring; the 500.1 and 1100.1, are mono amplifiers, which means they only have one speaker output. Because these amplifiers will be used primarily to drive woofers, we have given them high current, heavy-duty terminal blocks. Secondly, the 500.1 and 1100.
Reference 500.
Reference 500.1 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) .2% T.H.D. 500 watts Rated Power 350 watts x 1 @ 4Ω 500 watts x 1@ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .04% < .20% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, +0/-.5dB S/N Ratio > 80dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 35W) < .013% Slew Rate > 25 V/µS Damping Factor > 250 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 250mV – 10V Max. Current Requirements Idle Current 40 Amps @ 500 watts .65 Amps Dimensions 12”L x 7.5”W x 1.
Front Panel Layout 40
Key Features • Single Channel Class A/B Mono Amplifier • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • E.H.V.
Reference 1100.
Reference 1100.1 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) Power 1450 Watts Rated Power 825 watts x 1@ 4Ω 1100watts x 1 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .03% < .05% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, + 0 / - .5dB S/N Ratio > 90dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .03% Slew Rate 40 V/µS Damping Factor > 700 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) 250mV – 10V Max. Current Requirements Idle Current 135 Amps @ 900 watts 1.5 Amps Dimensions 23”L x 7.5”W x 1.
Front Panel Layout 44
45
Key Features • Single Channel Class A/B Monaural Amplifier • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • EHV High Voltage Output Circuitry • Two Ohm Mono Stable • Dynamic Bass Boost Port • 12 dB Variable Bass Boost Control • Heavy Duty, High Current Terminal Blocks • Compact Chassis Design • Gate Drive Boost Circuitry • Built in Variable Electronic Crossover • High Current Bipolar Outputs • Optically Isolated MOSFET Power Supply • Quality ZAPCO Construction 46
Reference Series Multi-Channel Amplifiers 47
Reference 360.
Reference 360.4 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) .2% T.H.D. Power 395 watts 365 watts Rated Power / Channel 50 watts x 4 @ 4Ω 90 watts x 4 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .046% < .13% Bridged Mono 110 watts x 2 @ 8Ω 180 watts x 2 @ 4Ω < .05% < .1% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, ± .12dB S/N Ratio > 95dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .
Front Panel Layout 50
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • RCA Unbalanced Inputs • Two Ohm Stereo Stable • 18 dB Variable Bass Boost Control • Built in Variable Electronic Crossover • Dual Bridgeable @ 4 ohm • Four Channel • High Current Bipolar Outputs • Optically Isolated MOSFET Power Supply • Quality ZAPCO Construction 51
Reference 360.4 Special Features The 360.4 is the Reference Series smaller 4 channel amplifier. Like the other Reference Series amps, it has a full-featured electronic crossover. The 360.4, however, has two crossovers. They vary slightly from standard, however at the signal mode switch. While other reference amps bridge to the right channel, the 360.4 bridges the front channels to left and rear channels to right. This allows you to switch the 360.4 for “Dual Mono” use.
Reference 360.4 Special Features Another difference is the SOURCE SELECT switch. The 4 CH position is used if you will have separate front and rear channel inputs. This is necessary if you wish to fade between front and rear. The 2 CH mode allows the front inputs to pick up their signal from the rear inputs. This lets you run the entire amp on only one set of input cables. This is very useful when running the 360.4 in 3 channel mode or when using it as a stereo amp.
Reference 1000.
Reference 1000.4 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) Power 1200 watts Rated Power / Channel 150 watts x 4 @ 4Ω 250 watts x 4 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .04% < .05% Bridged to Dual Mono 500 watts x 2 @ 4Ω < .04% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, + 0 / - .5dB S/N Ratio > 90dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .03% Slew Rate > 36 V/µS Damping Factor > 300 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) Unbalanced (RCA) 560mV – 10V 260mV – 5V Separation > 60dB Max.
Front Panel Layout 56
57
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • Dynamic Bass Boost Port • 12 dB Variable Bass Boost Control • Two Variable Electronic Crossovers • Dual Bridgeable @ 4 Ohms • Variable Electronic Sub-Sonic Filter • ZAPCO EHVC Output Circuitry • Optically Isolated MOSFET Power Supply • 2 Channel, 3 Channel, or 4 Channel Operation • 2 Channel or 4 Channel Input Selection • Heavy Duty, High Current Terminal Blocks • Gate Drive Boost Circuitry • Quality ZAPCO Construction 58
1000.4 Special Features There are a couple of features unique to the 1000.4, 500.1 and 1100.1 amps in the Reference line. First, the 1000.4 has a Bass Boost port for the 45Hz bass equalizer circuit. An optional DBC (Dynamic Bass Control) can be plugged into the Bass Boost Port to give the listener up to a 12dB Bass Boost adjustment. Secondly, the Sub-Sonic filter of these units is variable to allow proper tuning of the car and the enclosure.
Reference 650.
Reference 650.6 Specifications Total Power (14.4V @ 1kHz) Dynamic (4Ω mono) Power 540 watts Rated Power / Channel 50 watts x 6 @ 4Ω 104 watts x 6 @ 2Ω T.H.D.+N < .05% .2% Max Power 90 watts x 4 @ 2Ω 175 watts x 2 @ 1Ω .2% Frequency Response 20 – 20kHz, + 0 / - .5dB S/N Ratio > 95dB Transient Distortion (4Ω, 40W) < .02% Slew Rate > 23 V/µS Damping Factor > 160 @ 4Ω Input Sensitivity Balanced (DIN) Unbalanced (RCA) 500mV – 10V 250mV – 5V Separation > 60dB Max.
Front Panel Layout 62
63
Key Features • SymbiLink™ Balanced Inputs • RCA Unbalanced Inputs • Two Ohm Stereo Stable, One Ohm Stereo on Sub Channels • 18 dB Variable Bass Boost Control • Built in Variable Electronic Crossover • Bridgeable • Three to Six Channel Capable • High Current Bipolar Outputs • Optically Isolated MOSFET Power Supply • Quality ZAPCO Construction 64
Reference 650.6 Special Features The Reference 650.6 is a six-channel amp, which ZAPCO has designed to function as a full and complete high-end stereo system in a single chassis. At first glance, the controls that allow so many functions from a single amp can be a little daunting. Therefore, we will look at the controls in three sections. Channels 1 / 2 (front), Channels 3 / 4 (rear), and the Bass Channels 5 / 6. The controls on the far left operate channels 1 and 2.
The center section of the Reference 650.6 controls channels 3 / 4. This differs from 1 / 2 in that you have only one crossover section, since channels 3 / 4 are not used for band pass. You will still need to set the SOURCE SELECT, just as you do for 1 / 2, and you still have the Mode switch (see page 17). Note the difference, however: on CH 1 / 2 the Mode switch bridges to the left channel, on 3 / 4 it bridges to the right channel. This allows the 650.
System Diagrams Reference 200.2 / 350.2 Page 68 - 71 Reference 360.4 Page 73 - 78, 82 Reference 750.2 Page 79 - 81, 83, 84 Reference 650.6 Page 86 - 91 Reference 500.1 Page 72, 78 Reference 1000.4 Page 85 Reference 1100.
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
Technical Assistance Should you experience a problem with your Reference Series amplifier, please contact the dealer that sold you this product. If your dealer is unable to solve your problem, you may contact the factory service department directly. Phone: (209) 577-4268 Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM Pacific Standard Time FAX: (209) 577-8548 Also, check our web page, www.zapco.com, for tips. You can also e-mail for technical help directly from our web page.